The website:
http://members.xoom.com/sailmoonSol/solitair3.html
CHAPTER NINE
*********************************
Moon Kingdom
*********************************
Solitaire watched as Endymion and Beryl sped away from them
over the horizon. The four generals followed, their duties being
to both the Queen and the Prince. Beryl hoped to leave Solitaire
far behind, seeing that she had never ridden a horse before. She
had made her horse canter, and forced Endymion to go with her,
and the generals were obliged to follow. She ordered Fayate to
'have his fun' with solitaire, an exchange which only Beryl and
Fayate could truly understand. Fayate knew exactly what Beryl
meant - he appeared to be her servant, but infact he was serving
something much greater than Beryl could hope to be. Now,
however, Beryl's voice was beginning to sound more and more
like Metallia's every day, and soon he would no longer have to
work on converting her to the Negaverse. He knew that Beryl
wanted him to try and get some information out of Solitaire,
which is what he sought out to do as the others passed them.
The generals were convinced Solitaire could hold her own, but
Endymion looked back worriedly at Solitaire. He was
responding to her kindness, and he wasn't sure how Solitaire
would fare on the horse.
Solitaire smiled as he watched them leave - the visit was, after
all, all Beryl's, and everyone's goal was to keep Beryl satisfied
in the hopes of making negotiations with her go smoothly.
Solitaire didn?t want to cause problems - she had already made
a mess of her personal life, and she didn't want to create any
conflicts that involved Beryl. Fayate watched Solitaire and
Endymion with the slightest feelings of jealousy. Unlike the
way in which Endymion would serve Beryl in the future,
Fayate's choice to work for Metallia could almost be classified
as a conscious decision. The way in which Beryl changed
Endymion (the same method that Neflite would use on
Solitaire) caused the true soul and emotions of Endymion to be
repressed; Beryl worked to consistently control all of his actions
directly; if she left him alone, he might even break free. Inside,
the true voice could overshadow the false one. In Fayate's case
however, it was completely natural to obey the Negaverse; it
was a son obeying the parent - the Negaverse was as much a
part of him as any parent. Even though it took a spell to remove
Fayate from his Earth life and drag him back to his true home,
the spell was a weak one that soon became a part of him - he
would eventually consciously believe what Metallia was telling
him, and he would change to meet the needs of the Negaverse.
It was not true consciousness, but it was defiently not out of his
control. Consequently, there was no need to repress any part of
Fayate; he was free to be himself - free to feel anger and
jealousy towards Endymion. But the driving force behind his
existence now prevented him from acting on his feelings too
much - there were more important things to work on.
Solitaire watched Fayate's silent brooding out of the corner of
her eye. He made her feel uneasy, especially after what she had
done last night. She wondered if she made him feel nervous,
after what she had said. There was only one way to find out,
and Solitaire found it difficult to listen to the silence.
"So have you ever seen a winter before Lord Fayalite?"
Fayate eerily turned away from watching Beryl in the distance
to face Solitaire's nervous expression. Her voice sounded so
cool - her posture so relaxed and regal - but in her face and her
eyes there was tension. "I used to live here on Earth, actuality."
"Oh." Solitaire replied. "Did you grow up here?" Solitaire
continued.
Fayate became nervous as well as Solitaire brought up his past.
If his true home was the Negaverse, then why did he grow up
on Earth? Furthermore, why did he like his life on this planet so
much? Such issues plagued Fayate, because one day he would
realize what he was doing now was wrong, and the Earth would
be the closest thing he would ever have to a home - not the
Negaverse. "I spent most of my life here. But now I work for
Beryl" Fayate said determinedly and somewhat stupidly, as
Solitaire looked at him strangely. Before she could continue the
subject, Fayate quickly changed it - "So how do you like riding
horseback?"
Solitaire smiled shyly as she ran her hand along the horse's
mane. "I'm sorry they made you stay with me. If you want, go
on ahead."
"No, I'd much rather stay here with you." Fayate himself didn't
quite understand why he had said what he said, but somehow it
was the truth and he couldn't control it.. But as he said it the
normal warmth in his eyes returned that had been blocked by
his quest for power.
Solitaire blushed, caught off guard by what Fayate said as much
as Fayate himself was surprised. Somehow his words gave her
energy. "But you shouldn't have to freeze her with me. I can
probably do this. Its the poor horse that has to do all the work."
"The horse's trot has a special motion to it and if you don't
know how to handle it, its really uncomfortable. Just stick to the
walk." Fayate advised kindly. But Solitaire was already tensing
her body.
"Then we'll skip the trot."
She turned to him with a confident smile as she loosened the
reigns somewhat. Fayate didn't even hear her signal the horse
and the animal pooled its muscles together, releasing them like
a spring which propelled it and Solitaire far ahead. The horse
was in a canter, snow flying behind it - and Solitaire was still on
top. Fayate motioned his horse to follow her, and as soon as he
caught up to her, she looked at him again with determination
and pleasure in her eyes and she urged the animal on into a
gallop. Instinctively, Solitaire rose off the animal, giving it
freedom to move under her, as Fayate was obliged to follow. He
was more worried about her safety than anything else, but he
couldn't help wondering how it was possible for her to know
how to ride the horse when she had never ridden before.
Solitaire was bathed in the mix of speed, fear, and excitement.
She didn't want to slow down - for the first time she felt free -
like the wind. Later on, she would find this pleasure in anything
that made her go fast - but right now she could not think of
anything so exiting.
The cold wind slapped Solitaire's warm face, and she could feel
her scarf coming undone from her head, but she didn't want to
stop. She saw Endymion and the others ahead of her -
instinctively, she knew she would pass them - her goal was not
to catch up with them anymore; she just wanted to feel this free
for as long as she could. The Queen was walking her horse like
the others, so that she could talk with Endymion, and solitaire
sped past them before they got a chance to turn around and
listen where the sound of horse-steps was coming from. Fayate
was soon to follow, riding his horse more elegantly than
Solitaire - but he was not enjoying it like she was. He was
trying to keep up with her. Endymion tuned out Beryl's voice as
suddenly something occurred to him - there was a steep valley
at the top of the hill that they were all heading up, and Solitaire
would not see it until it was too late.
"Solitaire - wait!" he cried, but Solitaire had already passed the
point of no return. Endymion raced with Fayate up the hill,
fearing the worst. It would take an experienced horseman to be
able to maneuver through the valley and the jump; the horse
itself might not be capable of such a feat. Endymion passed
Fayate as his horse was less tired than Fayate's, reaching the top
of the hill where he could just begin to peer into the cliff below.
If Solitaire had made it, she should have gone across by now,
but -
Solitaire appeared out of a cloud of snow, her scarf flying off
her head as the horse finished the ordeal. She tugged tightly on
the reigns, stopping the animal as she herself caught her breath.
Out of the excitement, speed and fear she had been feeling, fear
dominated her expression right now, and she was only able to
hide it partially when she saw the others looking at her.
Endymion leapt across the valley, struggling slightly not to fall
off, but soon he reached Solitaire who stood somewhat frozen at
the edge.
"Are you alright?" Endymion asked, somewhat out of breath as
he dismounted.
Solitaire smiled at him lightly, as the terror in her eyes subsided
and excitement replaced it. Fayate was not far behind, holding
Solitaire's scarf as he approached her with worry in his
expression that subsided when he realized she was alright. He
handed her the scarf and smiled at her, the two looking at
eachother in silence that was no longer uncomfortable.
Endymion refused to be ignored.
"How did you learn to do that?" he demanded, with surprise and
admiration in his voice.
"Fayalite, of course." Solitaire replied to Fayate's surprise.
Endymion looked at Fayate surprisedly, but he could see
nothing written in his face other than the interest it had towards
Solitaire.
Fayate caught Endymion looking at him. "I just told her that
trotting was uncomfortable for the novice." Immediately the
both of them sensed the humor in Fayate's words, even though
Solitaire missed it. It was out of a context out of Fayate's and
Endymion's past, and consequently the two enemies found
themselves laughing wholeheartedly as Solitaire watched in
surprise.
The moment of unity subsided, however, as soon as Fayate
returned to watching Solitaire and Endymion remembered how
the past he had spent with Fayate had now been tinged by his
departure a while ago. The war waged, with Solitaire being the
center of its focus, though not for long.
********************************
Crystal Tokyo
********************************
Fayate had forgotten how similar Solitaire looked to Serenity,
especially when she was dressed in a royal gown. He couldn't
stop the people from staring at the two of them - people rarely
saw Serenity in the city, and when they did it was with
Endymion. Not only was the 'queen' with Fayate, but she was
crying...Quickly they realized it was not Serenity, but then who
could it be?
Fortunately the walk to Fayate's apartment was a short one, and
Solitaire was too caught up in herself (as usual) to notice the
people staring at her. But Fayate could see this would be a
major problem for Solitaire. But perhaps with a change of
clothes and a new haircut, Solitaire would look less like
Serenity and more like the eerily perfect beauty that she was.
But what was more important was what would solitaire DO -
what would be the thing that would make her happy? And how
would solitaire know what makes her happy, if she had never
been happy? Once again Fayate turned to himself for the
answers. How had he turned his life around? A day at a time.
Each day had been a struggle to survive, and eventually other
things replaced the survival until Fayate learned a new duty and
a new goal to work towards. The first year had been almost
unbearable; the only thing that kept him going was the fact that
he owed it to Beryl. Solitaire not only had nothing to be
ashamed of like Fayate had, but she also had people who cared
about her, even if they didn't understand her. Fayate was all
alone, and he stayed alone for that year until he slowly solved
what was bothering him. And, although Fayate did not dare to
admit it - Solitaire had him; someone who had the time and
desire to devote all of his attention towards her and her well-
being. Not only that, Fayate understood Solitaire. Really all she
had to do was let go of her past.
But as Fayate watched her slender form, her hand trying to
cover her face to hide the pain and the tears, he saw how her
past had been ingrained into her today - even now, even though
she had fallen asleep in his arms, even though he knew she
knew she had nothing to hide from him, she was still hiding
something, still ashamed of what she was feeling. He didn't
want to see her turn into a lifeless, if beautiful, statue. There
was so much more for her.
No one recognized Fayate as he and Solitaire headed towards
the elevator in the elegant lobby. Fayate was rich. He had
nothing more to do during that first year than focus his
intelligence on money. That was how he was introduced to
Serenity, at a royal function. But money didn't matter to him
much - what mattered was his work, preserving the peace that
Serenity had worked so hard to create. There was not much to
do now, that Nemesis was no longer a threat. The past week he
had spent working on a computer program of all things,
debugging the security system in his house, and fine-tuning the
tracking system in his car. He had been going to visit Serenity
earlier today, so that he could square things away with her
before he left for a long-needed vacation on the sugary beaches
of the Gulf Coast. Fayate was not afraid to go alone - he could
easily find company, although he never kept permanent friends.
The mask of happiness that Fayate put on for the world - the
world that could not understand his past - quickly eroded as
conversations turned towards the serious. Fayate assumed the
trip was cancelled.
The elevator slipped up through the center of the building,
arriving at the top floor. Fayate pressed a special code so that
the door would open as he led Solitaire into a small waiting
room, opening the door to his apartment with the swipe of a
plastic keycard. As he opened the door, a panel of lights quickly
turned on inside, revealing an expansive livingroom decorated
in a western style with a few Japanese elements. The ceiling
was made completely of glass, but instead of the sky, above it
there was about three feet of water and beyond that the sky was
exposed. The water was lit with lights, however, providing a
shimmering glow to the room beneath it where the few lights
that were on the entrance did not shine quite so well. Fayate
placed they key on the kitchen counter, as he thought for a
moment to offer Solitaire a drink, but decided against it.
"I haven't been here in a couple of weeks, so I guess I'm a little
short on food."
"Please, Fayate. Really, you don't have to do this." Solitaire
replied quietly. She felt awkward, not knowing what course of
action to follow like she always had planned in the past.
Fayate shook his head, sighing as he opened the fridge to find
nothing in it but several types of wine. "You can sleep in any
room you like; I'm sure you'll find your way around here."
Fayate added softly. He saw how acquired Solitaire was acting,
so he just tried to leave her in peace as much as he could.
"Upstairs are the bedrooms and the bathrooms, and if you want
you can try the pool, just make sure you heat the water first."
"How am I going to pay you back for this Fayate?" Solitaire
asked.
"By staying here and not worrying everyone. At least for
tonight, okay?" Fayate added tenderly.
Solitaire was troubled by his kindness. Strangers were never as
kind as Fayate, and she didn't know how to react. She was
desperately trying to find a way to have some sort of plan. But
all she could do was stand in near the door awkwardly.
"Just make yourself at home." Fayate said as he headed towards
the door.
"Where are you going?" Solitaire wondered.
"I'll be right back. Don't wait for me. Just go to sleep. Use
anything you find." Fayate replied, as he slipped out the door to
get groceries.
Solitaire was given a moment to think when Fayate left. She
thought of leaving for a moment, but the door to the outside hall
was locked. She assumed one needed the key to get out as well.
Fayate had probably done it on purpose. Solitaire didn't know
what else to do than what Fayate had suggested. She had no
inner voice of her own, so her mind substituted his words for
her own. She went up the elegant staircase to find two
bedrooms and a two bathrooms. Beyond a glass door was the
pool on the roof of the building among the marble flooring and
tropical plants. Solitaire continued past the balcony to one of
the bedrooms. She opened the door to find a pristine order in
another western-style room. Solitaire looked around for some
pictures, perhaps of family, but there was nothing. No parents,
no siblings, just a picture of Fayate and some woman standing
near the ocean. A wave of jealousy coursed through Solitaire,
but before she had time to analyze the feeling and suppress it,
Solitaire recognized Serenity from the picture. There were
others in the background too - it was easy for her to recognize
Neflite and Jaedite - with them were Lita and Rei. Fayate was
even smiling, very much different from the serious and gentle
expressions she had known him to have. Solitaire couldn?t
believe she had felt jealousy. She didn't want to admit to liking
Fayate, despite her opposition to everything he suggested.
Infact, she didn't want to think of anything right now, and she
didn't want to have to deal with Fayate when he came back. He
was being too nice; it was a new feeling for Solitaire, and
everything new made her uncomfortable.
The bed was cool at first, but as Solitaire drifted into sleep it
became warmer. She didn't bother uncovering the matters -
Solitaire was making it clear that she was not here to stay.
******************************
Fayate drove quickly towards the palace, knowing that given
enough time, Solitaire would eventually find a way to leave his
apartment. He was convinced if he could just talk to her, he
could convince her not to run away. The car slipped through the
gates and into the paved road before the courtyard. The gates
closed behind Fayate as he stepped out, turning the engine off
and hurrying inside. He walked the halls for a short while, but
soon found Serenity were he suspected she would be - among
the rose garden. She always went there when something was
bothering her.
"Serenity - " Fayate addressed her cautiously. He had almost
forgotten their argument earlier.
There was silence for a moment, until Serenity finally spoke.
"Did you find her?" she asked monotonously.
Fayate was unsure of what to answer. But he decided to trust
Serenity with the truth. "Yes." Through the darkness the
moonlight shone timidly on Serenity's brooding face, but Fayate
could detect the relief in her expression when he had answered.
"Is she all you hoped for?" Serenity continued without looking
at Fayate. Her mood was beginning to worry him.
"She's what I expected." Fayate answered ambiguously. He
could not see where the conversation was going, as Serenity's
voice revealed nothing but a slight anger.
"And what did you expect?" Serenity quickly added, a trace of
hope in her voice. She realized Fayate was closer to Solitaire
than her, even though Solitaire was her sister. She would have
to learn to accept this, but she didn't want Fayate to know, in
case Solitaire did something terrible to him. Solitaire was
unpredictable.
"Myself." Fayate added smiling and shaking his head. He
watched Serenity, as the warmth returned to her eyes and her
voice slowly.
"And what ELSE did you expect?" Serenity asked somewhat
playfully.
"What do you mean?" Fayate wondered. He was relieved that
Serenity had returned to her characteristic demeanor, but he
didn't see her point.
"Oh, nothing." Serenity smiled as she rose. "Why are you here,
Fayate?"
"I thought I was welcome in the Palace..." Fayate joked in
response to the change in mood. Inside, he was trying to
discover what Serenity was hiding.
"Well, yes, technically you are."
"I wanted you to know she's alright." Fayate added softly.
Serenity's demeanor shifted back to seriousness.
"Is she staying with you?" Serenity asked.
"Yes, but I don't know how long I can keep her from leaving."
Fayate answered.
"Where is she going to go?" Serenity asked anxiously.
"I have no idea. You know what it must be like for her."
"Not as well as you do." Serenity replied. Fayate was comforted
by her acknowledgement.
"She just needs time. Maybe a lot of time." Fayate admitted.
"Well, if you need anything..." Serenity offered.
"Actually, do you know what size she might wear? I was
hoping -" Fayate began before Serenity cut him off.
"I can have it taken care of. Which apartment do you want me
to send them to?"
Fayate was not entirely surprised by Serenity's preparedness. It
was clear she truly wanted to help her sister. "Downtown.
Thanks." Fayate said, kissing Serenity on the cheek. He had to
hurry back. Serenity smiled at him warmly.
"Go" she urged him.
Fayate stayed a moment before he departed. "I didn't mean what
I said earlier."
"No, you were right." Serenity began, until she was interrupted.
"Mommy! Mommy!" an unmistakable voice came from under
the brush. Fayate had to resist the urge to cringe as Rini ran by
him - he was so happy when she had left for the past,
considering all the baby-sitting he was forced to endure while
the war was going on and afterwards. Not that Rini was an
especially annoying child, but Fayate could only take so much
abuse. He was too nice to her, and she took advantage of it.
Rini ran into her mother's arms selfishly. Serenity was so happy
to have her return, she almost forgot about Fayate. "Rini, aren't
you going to say hi to Fayate?" Serenity asked, looking up, but
Fayate was already hurrying towards the palace. He stopped for
a moment to smile at her before he disappeared inside.
*********************************
MOON KINGDOM
*********************************
The group sat over the large and decorated table within the
warm palace. Endymion was next to Beryl, but watched
Solitaire out of the corner of his eye. She was talking to Fayate.
He admitted it bothered him, and tried to convince himself he
was over her. It would have worked, too, had it not been Fayate
she was talking to. Out of all the people in the world, why did
she have to focus her attention on him?
?So what of the mobilization?? Jaedite asked as he sipped the
wine slightly quickly. This was the last dinner they would have
together, perhaps even for a very long time. Beryl was leaving,
and Solitaire had been called back to the Moon Kingdom. A
ball was being held after the dinner.
?You should know - ? Neflite warned, mocking Jaedite.
Everything was ready, but it was clear to everyone tat Jaedite
had not done his part. Something else had been on his mind.
Jaedite made a face and turned to Malachite for some
reassurance, but the cold general would not provide him with
any. Normally he could always talk to Endymion or Solitaire,
but they were both busy. Zoicite was much too reserved for
him. He smiled lightly as his thoughts shifted away from the
current events.
Solitaire showed only mild interest in what Fayate was saying.
It was all over - her vacation, her friends. She had to go home.
Her wine disappeared faster than Jaedite?s.
?When are you leaving?? Fayate wondered.
?Tonight. As soon as I finish here. Serenity wanted be back as
soon as possible, but I told her I had work to do.?
?Oh.? Fayate added, not really knowing what to say. The
energy that he had seen in Solitaire earlier subsided when she
had gotten the news.
Solitaire smiled at him lightly, as she twirled the glass in her
hand. ?I?m sorry, but I have to get ready.? She said as she was
about to stand up.
?You?re not staying for the ball?? Fayate wondered. Solitaire
shook her head.
?I?ll talk to you later.? Solitaire added as she tried to slip past
the others.
?Sure.? Fayate mumbled.
Jaedite noticed her as she headed out of the dining room. He
jumped out of his chair to follow her.
?Solitaire!? he called as she turned to him. Solitaire smiled.
Jaedite wrapped his arm around her waist. ?Are you leaving
already??
?Yes.? Solitaire sighed.
?Won?t you at least stay for the ball?? Jaedite wondered.
?No, thanks. I?m so tired.?
?So when am I going to see you again??
?Serenity will hold a meeting. She has to. Within a month, I
promise.?
Jaedite looked somewhat sad. He really liked Solitaire. He
knew what it was like to miss someone, even though missing
Solitaire would be nothing like missing Rei.
?Tell everyone goodbye for me.? Solitaire added as they
reached her room. Jaedite mumbled something as a reply.
?I?m going to miss you.? Solitaire added, smiling somewhat.
Jaedite kissed her on the cheek and bowed. Meanwhile the
music began to play down the hall
?Be safe.? Jaedite added as he walked towards the ballroom.
?You too.? Solitaire added. She turned to close the door to her
chamber. She would have to pack her clothes, but not much
else. She hadn?t brought anything. What was there to bring.
Other than the crystal. Solitaire tapped the box lightly as it lay
on her table. This crystal was her whole life. Sometimes she just
felt like crushing it. Now was one of those times.. But instead
she let it slide out between her fingers. If she destroyed it, she
would be powerless. Quickly she packed her clothes into three
neat suitcases. Solitaire was about to leave. She didn?t want to
stay any longer, and she didn?t want to say goodbye to anyone,
knowing it would make her sadder. Jaedite was too immature to
realize that good-byes were painful for her; but the others, even
perhaps Endymion, knew that it was not rudeness that would
cause her to leave so quickly in the middle of the night.
A swift knock was heard at the door, as Solitaire turned towards
it while the crystal remained in her hand. Nothing happened.
?Come in? she eventually replied. The door opened slowly to
reveal Endymion. He smiled at Solitaire for a moment, but his
smile evanesced as he caught the sadness in her eyes.
?I didn?t know you were leaving already.? He said softly,
somewhat hurt.
?Well, I don?t see any point in staying when I know I have to go
back.? Solitaire said matching his softness.
?When am I going to see you again?? Endymion added.
Solitaire didn?t reply for a moment, not knowing the answer
herself. ?Why don?t you come to the Moon? For vacation??
?You know travel is banned between the Moon and Earth and
Mineral Kingdoms.?
?But you came before.? Solitaire pointed out.
?We were invited. Just like you were invited here. By royal
order.?
?Oh, I?m sure some matter of state will come up sooner or later.
It has to, with the war. Infact, I know that Serenity is planning
to unite the Soldiers very soon. It would be foolish of her not to
include representatives from Earth when every other planet in
the solar system is invited.? Solitaire continued, her voice
becoming playful towards the end.
?Oh, yes, very foolish.? Endymion played along.
?I?ll have to mention it to her. But of course, a formal complaint
from Earth would be out of the question.?
?Indeed, it would.? He said, smiling.
?Are there any other concerns the Earth Kingdom needs
addressed?? Solitaire mocked.
?Well, maybe.? Endymion said as he brushed his hand across
Solitaire?s face. Solitaire was growing sad again, as she felt her
departure from Earth on many levels. She knew it would never
work out between her and Endymion. She also realized she was
going home, and the war was coming. She didn?t know if this
was perhaps the last time she would see Endymion.
?I have to go.? Solitaire uttered silently, with sadness and
dullness in her words as she looked at the ground.
?Goodbye, Solitaire.? Endymion whispered as he leaned in to
kiss her. A moment later he couldn?t feel her lips anymore, and
as he opened his eyes a silver glow shone before him, subsiding
and melting into air. Endymion knew very well that he couldn?t
have Solitaire, or at least not the way he wanted her. She would
never be happy.
*********************************
Crystal Tokyo
*********************************
Fayate struggled to open the door to his apartment with the bags
of groceries in his hands, but eventually he was able to place
them on the counter-top. No lights were on and it was quiet -
too quiet. Fayate feared that Solitaire had found a way to leave,
as he cursed silently. In the back of his mind he hoped that
perhaps she had actually done what he told her to do - maybe,
just maybe - she was sleeping in one of the bedrooms. Fayate
took his jacket off as he headed upstairs and past the pool, and
to his relief in the first room on the right Solitaire was sleeping
on top of the bed. He watched her rest for a moment before he
went to the other room to get another blanket, which he let fall
over her. Solitaire shifted for a moment, but Fayate thought she
was still asleep. He walked softly towards the door. Solitaire
opened her eyes as soon as he left. She lay there in the darkness,
thinking. Tomorrow would be a new day. She should look for a
job. She refused to rely on the kindness of others.
********************************
Moon Kingdom
********************************
Solitaire waited for the haze to clear as she stood in the hallway
of the Moon Kingdom Palace. She could hear voices - many
voices. Something must be happening. The light subsided.
People were running about, among them she made out her
mother hurrying. Serenity caught her daughter?s gaze.
?Oh, Solitaire! Welcome home, darling.? Serenity said as she
hugged Solitaire.
Solitaire hinted at a smile. ?What?s going on? Why all the
commotion??
?Didn?t I tell you yet? Three Guardians are arriving today, any
minute. We have so much to finish with the preparations, and
they could already be here. Oh dear! Solitaire, please go to the
official room and welcome them if I?m not there.? Serenity
pleaded, while talking to some palace workers. Solitaire slipped
away from her mother and headed towards the room. Three
scouts? She wondered which ones. She made her way into the
official room, where the throne was, but no one was there other
than the guards. Solitaire did not have to wait long before her
mother arrived.
?How was Earth?? Serenity asked, smiling at her daughter.
?It was very pleasant. I think-? Solitaire began, before she was
cut off by the waves of energy that engulfed the room which
distracted her mother. Everyone watched the materialization
among the greenish-blue haze, as Neptune appeared with grace
and elegance that matched Solitaire?s. She wore a white gown,
detailed with blue-green trimmings and flowers.
?Sailor Neptune arriving, your highness? Neptune spoke,
bowing her head as Serenity approached her smiling. Serenity
embraced the young woman, and taking her by the hand lead
her towards Solitaire who stood indifferently next to her sister
who had arrived just a bit late.
?My daughters, Solitaire and Serena? Serenity said. Solitaire
nodded her head, while Serena smiled warmly and bowed.
Neptune looked at Solitaire for a moment, but her attention
quickly turned to the younger of the sisters, whose warm smile
caught her eye, and she was forced to smile back.
?Please, everyone, have a seat? Serenity said, as she seated
Neptune to her right, and Solitaire and Serena on the other side
of the throne. There were two more visitors to await. Neptune
and Serenity talked, while Solitaire tried to close her eyes. She
was so sick of these formal greetings.
?So how was Earth?? Serena asked her sister excitedly.
?Good? Solitaire said, without opening her eyes. But she could
see Serena was really curious.
?Did you visit that guy? What was his name - Neflite?
Hmmmmm?? Serena asked. Solitaire opened her eyes and
watched her sister?s excitement.
?I visited the royal palace. I met all the royal guards, and the
Prince.? She continued, trying to hide any emotion that may
have been linked to the words.
?Really? Were they nice? You know mother has asked the four
of them to come to the Moon in a month, to escort the other
four Guardians??
?No, I didn?t know.? Solitaire added shocked. How did her
mother know to invite them. ?Why only four? There is
Endymion, and his four guards??
?I heard the Prince was not invited.? Serena said, as she
watched her sister?s face take on sadness. She knew something
was causing her sadness.
?Oh.? Solitaire uttered dully. ?That doesn?t really make sense.
Why not??
?I don?t know. She wouldn?t tell me. It is very strange,
especially since almost ten guards will be visiting from the
Palace. I wonder why not the Prince.?
?It?s a pity. You would have liked him.? Solitaire continued.
?Oh, Solitaire! You can tell me - how many of them did you get
involved with? I heard they are all really good looking.? Serena
had not expected the distress and anger that her sister?s face
took on after she had said these words. She had done something
very wrong, and Serena knew Solitaire was in one of her
?moods? so it was best just to leave her alone.
With perfect timing, however, another Guardian was arriving.
Once again, the room was bathed in a yellowish light, and
slowly Uranus emerged from the glitter.
?Sailor Uranus, your Majesty.? Uranus said as she bowed. She
wore a white gown similar to Neptune?s, like every royal of the
Moon Kingdom. Everyone in the room rose once again, and
greetings were exchanged. Uranus and Neptune started at
eachother uncontrollably - they had met before, and after
Serenity had welcomed Uranus, the three of them quickly
engaged in conversation.
?Aren?t they beautiful?? Serena asked her sister.
?Yes they are? Solitaire replied somewhat more subdued.
Another light bathed the room, this time a violet color, as the
third and final Guardian arrived - Pluto. She wore a trimmer
version of the royal gown, and instead of being white, it was a
golden satin that reflected her dark skin and greenish hair, while
illuminating her fiery eyes.
?Sailor Pluto.? She said without bowing. Serenity approached
her, embracing her, and Pluto smiled for a moment.
?I?m so glad you could come? Serenity added, as she lead Pluto
towards the others.
?Sailor Uranus, Sailor Neptune,? the greetings
continued??And these are my daughters, Solitaire and
Serena.?
Pluto examined each of them with the detached interest of a
poet, but she couldn?t help but notice the similarities between
herself and Solitaire. Solitaire watched Pluto with apprehension
that bordered on admiration. Serenity was quick to intervene.
?So why don?t we all have something to eat. You girls must be
starving!? Serenity announced, Pluto and Solitaire averting their
stares.
******************************
later that day, after dinner
******************************
?But do you think this is for the best, Serenity?? Luna
wondered.
?It has to be. I can?t see it any other way. Solitaire should have
never found out that I wanted her to not be Queen. She hasn?t
figured out that I wanted her to be the Guardian of Time, and all
she feels is that she has had something taken away from her. I
know she is older than Serena, but I can?t ignore what I have
been told about the future. She can?t rule without the love of
another.? Serenity replied. Then she whispered ?No one can.?
Luna looked away.
?The Door of Time cannot go unguarded.? Luna announced.
?I know. I hope Pluto will forgive me, but it has to be this way.
Solitaire can?t do it any more - she will see it as something
below her, and quite frankly it is a very lonely life.? Serenity continued.
?Sailor Pluto?? Luna gasped. ?But she?ll be devastated!?
?I know, Luna. I know. But she is so much like Solitaire - she
has all of Solitaire?s good qualities. Even more, she is such a
loyal and responsible person. I don?t know how I can say this -
I trust her more than my own daughter.?
?Indeed - you would not be giving her a duty that you would
not have given to your own child.?
?Of course, I must ask it of her, an not place such a burden on
her without explaining its consequences fully to her. I don?t
understand why Solitaire?s fate is to be alone, and why Serena
is so different from her. All I know is that Solitaire is too cold
to make a good Queen, and she will not find love to soften her
heart. I hope Pluto will understand.?
?When do you plan to tell them?? Luna asked.
?I must tell them soon, for the war is approaching. Something
very bad will happen because of it, but I do not know yet what
that is. We have to be ready.?
?How much time do we have??
?Two months at most. The four other scouts will arrive in a
month, along with the generals from Earth. I was hoping
Solitaire would keep me updated on their progress on Earth, but
as soon as she left here, I didn?t hear anything form her. I
wanted her to enjoy herself, even if only for a short while, but it
was necessary to call her back. I need her help. She is really so
much like her father. If only it didn?t have to be this way.?
?I know, your majesty. But the future is bright, for all of our
children.?
?Yes, Luna, I hope so.? Serenity said, smiling somewhat. Soon,
however, her smile faded as she realized it was time to do
something that she had been dreading for ten years. ?I have to
tell them now. They need this month to prepare, and then we
will be ready for the other scouts.?
?Everything will work out.? Luna said hopefully, as she jumped
upon a chair next to Serenity. The queen motioned to a guard to
ask the three scouts and her two daughters to gather in the royal
room. She wanted to announce her decisions before the ball.
Uranus and Neptune were the first to arrive, followed by Pluto,
and then Solitaire slinked her way into the room that was so
familiar to her. Serena eventually staggered into the room as
well, dressed in pajamas. The others all had evening gowns on,
even Uranus.
?I have something very important to share with you all,?
Serenity began as Serena sat beside her mother, resting her head
in Serenity?s lap. ?I want to get through this as soon as possible.
Please, everyone, sit down-? Serenity motioned. The other
gathered around the round table.
?As you are all too aware, there is a war going on Earth. It
seems very distant from all of us, but everything indicates that
within the next two months the battles there will heighten, and
somehow affect all of us. I know it must be hard for everyone to
understand, and I myself often have my doubts, but I feel that
we must be prepared. In doing so, I have two measures that I
feel will give us our security. First, I have spent several years
preparing a shield that will surround our Kingdom, that is
unpenetrable as far as my sources indicate. While I plan this
shield to be activated within the time we are left with, I also feel
another measure is necessary to ensure the survival of our
Kingdom. Since you were born, you all have been raised to fill
the roles of the Sailor Scouts - the primary defenders of the
Moon Kingdom. Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto have all been
given powers greater than the other five scouts in order to
defend the outermost parts of our kingdom, which they have
already done so well. We are very grateful to you and your
families for sacrificing your innocence to protect our world.?
?It is our honor.? Neptune interjected quietly.
?I only hope that what I am doing is right, and the best for all of
us and our future. With that said, I have come to the conclusion
that it will be necessary to set up the team of the Guardians with
the following arrangement. Neptune and Uranus, I ask you with
the highest respect if you would honor us by taking on the
duties as Sailor Neptune and Sailor Uranus. While I know that
the three of you have powers that are much stronger than the
five inner princesses, I feel that you will want to work
independently from the Moon for much of the time, and with
that confidence, I have chosen the Kingdom of Venus, with
their princess, as the head of the Sailor Scouts, as they are not
only closet to the Moon by distance, but also by family. For that
reason, it will be easiest with them to stay in touch with the
Moon. If you have any objections or concerns...?
?We have none.? Uranus and Neptune said simultaneously.
They had been prepared for everything Serenity told them now
since their birth. ?It is our honor.? Uranus repeated, smiling
knowingly. Serenity smiled back and thanked them. For a
moment she glanced at her older daughter, who had grown quiet
and brooding once again. It was hard for her to continue.
?With that said, I have come to the conclusion that the leader of
the Sailor Scouts, above Sailor Venus, shall be assumed by my
daughter Serena when she is either twenty-one, or I am no
longer able to fulfill my duty.?
The three scouts looked at Solitaire all at the same time, and
were more shocked than finding out that is was not Solitaire
who was to been Serenity?s successor, when they saw the calm
on her face. She looked at them quietly, her fortitude intact, as
they turned quickly to watch Serena?s reaction.
?What? Why?!? Serena protested as she quickly awoke from
her sleep. ?What about Solitaire??
?This is my decision, Serena, we are not going to discuss it.?
Serenity argued. She understood that Serena was not ready at
this time to assume the responsibility of Queen, but she knew
that Solitaire would help her fill out her role.
?What? No! I don?t want to! Solitaire, was this your idea? I
mean, I know you don?t like us that much, but really, do you
think *I* would be able to make a Queen?!? Serena demanded.
?Oh, no.? Solitaire added calmly. ?This wasn?t my doing.?
?Mother?!? Serena demanded.
?It is my decision, and one day you will understand.? Serenity
continued. She wasn?t going to reveal the reason behind her
decision to anyone other than Luna.
?What about Solitaire? What will she do?? Serena wondered.
?Solitaire will continue to be the primary advisor to the queen.
If something should happen to Sailor Moon, she will be there to
replace her, and like Sailor Moon, she is not the one directly in
charge of the other Sailors, which will be Venus? duty.? Now
let me finish, Serena, please? Serenity said as she soothed her
daughter. She really wanted to be comforting Solitaire, but it
was Solitaire?s own independence that caused her the loss of the
queen-ship. ?Finally, I have a special request of Pluto. Not only
do I want her to be the eight and final Sailor Guardian, but in
addition, and with her consent, I would like to ask her to be the
Guardian to the Door of Time.?
Unlike Solitaire?s expression when she had heard her fate, Pluto
was somewhat shocked by Serenity?s announcement, although
she tried to hide much of it. Serenity was prepared for Pluto?s
hesitance. ?I would like to discuss it with you when you feel to
do so, and please understand that there is no shame or anger if
you do not want the duty. I hadn?t planned it this way
originally, but this is how it worked out.?
?Of course, you majesty.? Pluto motioned. She knew everyone
would look down upon her if she didn?t take the role, and she
was not only prepared to give her life to protect the queen and
Sailor Moon, but she felt this was also part of her duty as a
scout. ?I would be honored to accept both duties, of Sailor Pluto
and as the Guardian of the Door of Time, Queen Serenity.? She
said smiling lightly.
?Please, Setsuna, we?ll talk about it. As for everyone, I would
be happy to address any question or concerns that you have.
Otherwise, please enjoy the ball.? Serenity prompted. Solitaire
stood abruptly, smiled obligatorily at the others, and excused
herself. Neptune began asking the Queen about the shields she
mentioned, while Uranus also listened in. Serena saw that her
mother should not be bothered now, and she looked for
Solitaire, but Solitaire disappeared out through the door. Pluto
also stood, and excused herself.